My main research interests are within the area of forensic linguistics. I have particular interest and expertise in forensic authorship analysis focusing on short form messages such as SMS text messages, Twitter posts and Internet Relay Chat.  Recent publications have focussed on online sexual abuse conversations.

I have also published broadly across forensic linguistics including work the linguistics of the police interview, the analysis of threatening communication and the pragmatics of non-verbal consent in rape cases.

I am one of the world’s most experienced forensic linguistic practitioners and my case work has involved the analysis of abusive and threatening communications in many different contexts including investigations into sexual assault, stalking, murder and terrorism. In 2019 I was award an NCA Commendation for my part in the investigation that led to the arrest and successful prosecution of Matthew Falder.  I have provided evidence for both prosecution and defence in criminal cases, in commercialarbitration disputes and in civil cases involving discipline and dismissal of staff and copyright infringement and plagiarism. I have assisted in designing and presenting police media appeals such as for the BBC Crimewatch programme.

I have significant experience of working with press, TV and radio and my work has appeared in newspaper and magazine feature articles, on the BBC 1 OneShow and on the BBC Radio 4 Programme Word of Mouth.  I regularly speak to wider adult and schools audiences at events such as Café Scientifique and the British Festival of Science.